SOLENT STARS were left hurting by a demoralising 97-93 defeat by the Teesside Mohawks on Saturday.

The post-match inquests at Fleming Park Sports Centre went on late into the evening as Stars surrendered potential match-winning situations through what coach Mark Scott blamed as "a lack of maturity."

Scott added: "This defeat really hurts. We have the potential to be a very good team and to compete well against sides like Teesside and win.

"It's frustrating when you explain what's going wrong to the players and it just doesn't register.

"I'm pleased with the effort but, at times, we have to be a lot smarter."

Having overcome some first quarter jitters, Stars were looking good at half-time of this National Conference tussle, leading 47-43.

Americans Marlin Capers and John Bynum once again stole the show, calling the plays and dictating the play.

They were also prone to frequent bouts of show-boating, some spectacular slam danks celebrated by mid-court bodyslams.

But a disastrous third quarter, when Solent were outscored 32-15, proved decisive.

Teesside's defence was awesome, and they punished Solent's inability to make their shots or rebound effectively off the offensive boards.

Top scorers Ralf Bucci (30 points) and EJ Harrison swiftly got into their stride, punishing Solent with some swift counter-attacks, as well as drawing the fouls.

To their credit, Solent battled back from an almost hopeless position to claw within a point of the north-east side.

Capers and Bynum again played some clever basketball, making the three-pointers and showing tremendous tenacity underneath the basket to draw the hosts to 94-93 with 39 seconds left on the clock.

But, critically, Solent failed to make the baskets count, particular the three-pointers, and committed the cardinal sin of giving away fouls and handing free-shots to Teesside.

Scott admitted he was frustrated by his team's inability to put together 40 minutes of consistent basketball.

"We're not playing as a team and are making very simple mistakes," was the coach's verdict.

Solent scorers: John Bynum 31, Marlin Capers 28, Alan Cunningham 19, Steve Davison 7, Duane Laight 5, Chris St-Omer 3.